Interlude – Surprises
by Chief Executive Officer Wayne Bradshaw & Commander Karen Villiers
Post Details
Wayne walked out of his office flanked by two rather large men, he did not like the situation but given the circumstances it was better at least he felt then trusting his fate to the station's security. He was going to make a short trip today basically checking on some of the things that he and the council of war had agreed on. He headed out to the docking section to start his rounds when he ran into the last person he had expected. "Hello, Commander Villiers fancy meeting you down here." Said Wayne calmly.
"Executive Officer's privilege," Karen said, "Every now and then I like to wander the lesser beaten tracks. "You never know what you'll come across on a station this size, and its good exercise," she added with a quirk of an eyebrow, Karen knew a bodyguard when she saw one, she just did not know the why.
"Well since you're down here would you like a tour. I am sure it is not as glamourous as some of the other areas but who knows maybe you will see something else that I or my men missed when we sat this up.
This was precisely why Karen had 'wandered in this direction. She had heard certain rumours from various sources and wished to see for herself before she took any action, "Sure, a tour," she agreed with a shrug;. "I'm not sure that any space stations have particularly glamourous areas," she added her gaze taking in details of the area, "lead on."
"Well as I am sure you have guessed this is our main receiving area. There are four ports here for shipping and receiving various items and dispatching our security force to various jobs around the galaxy." Said Wayne calmly as they walked along. He intentionally ignored mentioning some of the obvious changes that had happened in the last little while.
"You've done quite a few renovations here," Karen noted, "They'll need to be cleared by health and safety," she said wondering what he would say to that. "The only facilities that can make renovations that can avoid the approval process are the embassies. I'm afraid your operation does not have soveraign status, Mister Bradshaw," she added linking her fingers behind her back as they walked. "I'll let the inspectors know they need to pay a visit."
Here we have the main training rooms as well as the armoury and briefing rooms for the PMC." Said Wayne as they entered a short hallway off of the main corridor.
"Is there a lot of call for private security?" Karen asked using a relatively neutral euphamism. The the enterprise was by no means illegal but the term 'mercenary' sat uneasily with Federation and with Starfleet ideology.
"Actually you would be surprised at the business I do. The klingons, andorians, betazoids and many others have asked for the help of my company over the years. Also we provide security for several embassies throughout the federation and some other races." Said Wayne calmly but firmly he had not missed her remark about haveing inspectors sent down but he was not about to let it faze him in the least.
"Really," Karen nodded with apparent interest, "Of course Mister Bradshaw it is customary to get planning permission first. If the Inspectors don't like what they see everything will have to come out," she said returning to the topic. "The time and expense and the need to refit once permission is given doesn't matter to the Health and Safety types, or for that matter to the command of this station." Karen stopped and turned to the man, "So Mister Bradshaw," she said in a very genial tone, "are you going to tell me what is going on down here, or am I going to have to use official channels?"
"I could be an ass and say that you had to go through official channels but I am not that type of a man. You want to know what is going on so I will tell you. I do not trust the station security department on this station to do their jobs. Or at least to do their job without getting into someones face. taking my own experiance as an example, your chief of security sat out to harass and demean myself and my employees. at various times in the past. The fact that the same said chief seemed to be unable to safeguard the station against a terrorist attack and infact had to order one of my employees to turn over our dedicated and secure comm link to his personal use did not exactly engraciate him to me." Said Wayne firmly "Before you say I should have taken this up with the captain I did do that once already and got exactly jack shit for my time."
Karen said nothing, the lawyer in her would not dream of interrupting a witness giving an interview when he was in full flow, and this was no different. She let him continue.
"I am sure you have your excuses and your reasons just as I did when I was in the corps and you do not need to tell them to me. The measures that you have no doubt seen and not seen are for the express purpose of protecting my company both from external threats or from internal threats as the case may be." Said Wayne firmly
"Are you done?" Karen asked without chagrin. "Good, then perhaps we ought to start with the shortcomings you perceive. Is there somewhere we can talk without the bookends?" she asked sizing up the former Ranger, "Or am I such a threat that you can't be alone with me?"
"Commander, if you would care to we could move this meeting to my private office. The bookends, as you so nicely put it, would of course be close by, but I do not think you are a threat, and even if you were, not one I could not handle on my own if needed." Said Wayne calmly "Though there is a faster way then just walking there." He added stepping closer to the Commander and activating the transporter that would take them directly to the main office.
"OK," she said, "but don't be so cocky about whether or not you could handle me," Karen added with a shake of her head. "Go right ahead," she said giving him the cue to transport.
Wayne tapped the old style and spoke "4 to the entrance lobby." Said Wayne firmly a few seconds later they were in the main lobby. "Alright boys take your positions the XO and I have a few things we need to discuss." He added flattly as he led the station CO up a flight of stairs and down the hall to a small conferance room.
"welcome to what I like to call the war room commander we should be able to have a private conversation here without any trouble." Said Wayne as he motioned to the seat just to his right for her to sit in.
"So, you've installed a transporter system independent from the station," Karen said as she sat and crossed her legs, "What's its range and capacity?"
"Range is limited to within 100 yards of the stations outer hull and it is capable of moving a max of 4 people at one time. It is also able to move cargo but that is limited to 10 metric tons and thee is only one place with that transporter. Also as i mentioned before we have a dedicated and secure comm system however it is limited to internal station and any of our own ships that happen to be docked." Said Wayne flattly.
Karen nodded, "I'll take your word for that, for now," she said. "So, your reception at DS5 has not been to your liking," she continued, "As you have shared something with me, I will share something with you. There may be parties around who are looking for witnesses with regard to the activities of certain officers in relation to a case. Everything that I say after this is strictly confidential," Karen went on as she pulled a small device out of a pocket. "and entirely off the record. If you can record through this, then I will personally have your operation shut down," she added, as what she laid on the table was a very compact, and beyond state of the art interference device.
As Karen removed her hand she clicked it on with her thumb, "Shall I begin?" she asked.
"Commander if anyone can even detect our lifesigns or hear what we have said while in here I will personally close this operation down and move it to a ship. I take my private meetings very seriously and have a healthy respect for any measures you wish to use." Said Wayne bluntly.
Letting the remark about lifesigns pass Karen sat back and dropped her hands into her lap. "You told me outside that you were unimpressed with Station Security," she said. "First, I will give you some context for my interest in your opinion, and then you may decide if you want to repeat it to me," she said.
"Fair enough commander." Said Wayne flatly
"As well as being XO, I am also the JAG on this station. I will put aside my XO hat during any case I am asked to cover that involves a crewmember." Karen held up a hand in case he was inclined to interrupt. "I am to judge it, but given the nature of the case, one brought by the Romulans against a member of the staff of this station, I am able to take statements in confidence regarding the character and activity of the accused. It is something that can help us 'balance' the case," she explained.
"I see so there have been others who have had problems as well that is interesting to know." Said Wayne softly as he waited for her to finish what she had to say sure that there was something more.
"I am 'gathering opinions'" Karen said, a measured response. "Even if guilt is established with the help of a heartfelt confession I would not lightly hand anyone to the Romulans. I don't happen to believe in capital punishment so it may be that character or motivation is what sways the verdict on whether or not to extradite."
"I can understand that Romulans are not exactly known for their easy handling of prisioners. Personally I would not stand for extradition to them. I mean yes he is a problem and yes he has cause me and my company no end of grief. However rather then turning him over to the Romulans I would almost advocate keeping him in the federation maybe something can be done for him. I am not a fan of capital punishment myself for that matter but the threat of it can be usefull." Said Wayne flattly there was no love lost between him and the Romulans even if they were good paying clients there were just some things you did not do.
Karen raised an eyebrow; it could indeed be a useful threat but that was not what they were here to discuss. "You may be called as a witness by either or both sides, Mister Bradshaw," Karen told him, "I understand your frustration at the experiences you have had here, and your initial desire to point the finger. Now, when the time comes I am not asking you to make a statement of anything other than the truth as you see it. Just to remember that you are at liberty to temper your statement with reason, and that if you are called by the prosecution, they think that you will strengthen their case," a case that was already very strong, but Karen did not say that.
"Thank you for the advance warning though I am not exactly sure what I will be able to do. I built my rep on telling the truth and not holding anything back for any reason, I have no intention of changing that now. Rest assured if I am called I will stick to nothing but the facts as I know them and my statement will not be embelished by personal feelings or any other motive then to see justice done." Said Wayne firmly but coolly.
"Thank you, Mister Bradshaw, I don't trust people by reputation, they are sometimes established on little more than hot air, but I think I can trust that you are as you say. Of course we never had this conversation," Karen said. "Why don't we finish our tour now?"
"Certainly though you have seen most of the external areas of the company I am not sure what else you would like to see. I hope you understand of course that some areas are classified and you will not be able to see." Said Wayne calmly as he rose from his seat and waited for her.
Karen pressed her hands to her knees then stood, "Unless you want those Inspectors to visit, Mister Bradshaw, I suggest you give me the full tour; nothing is off limits once they get involved," she said evenly. "I only need to know precisely what is going on in my space station, and if I am comfortable with it, I will look the other way. The Inspectors on the other hand ... well, if they don't tie you up in red tape they'll close you down and I don't think you want to be looking for a new home so soon," she continued. "Level with me, and show me enough. We might even find you useful to have around," she added, 'we' in this place meaning the station's command.
"Alright but it might take more time then you expect. What would you like to see first." Said Wayne calmly he was about to break every rule he had but there was something that told him he could at least trust this lady to be discrete.
"Mister Bradshaw, I don't take you for a fool and I don't imagine for a second that you actually think I was wandering around down here by accident," Karen said to start off the second phase of their discussion. "As it is I am not here as Executive Officer, but as JAG. I need to be certain that your activities do not compromise the Federation, and do not compromise Starfleet. So tell me, why would I have heard a rumour that there is unsanctioned weapons research going on down here." Karen paused. "Perhaps we should start with your firing ranges," she suggested. Labs would come later.
Wayne slightly nodded his head he knew all to well that there was no way this was just a chance meeting. Still he would show her around if she wanted him to. "Alright commander if you will follow me then we will see the firing range and training rooms for the PMC." Said Wayne calmly
Karen nodded and followed. Regardless of what she had said earlier, or the validity of her arguement this was not her territory and she was alone.
===firing range===
"As you can see we use standard holographic targets for our beginners range. The more advanced range however uses targets that actually shoot back at you. Still holograms but we designed the program from scratch and it works well for us. There is not a man in my security force that is not rated as an expert marksmen before I turn him or her loose. Also to keep their rating they are required to requalify every year." Said Wayne flatly
"Why don't you demonstrate," Karen suggested, "or have someone do it for you?"
"Certainly." Said Wayne as he walked over to the weapons locker and pulled out what looked like an old style phaser then he pulled out a power cell and slammed it home in the butt of the pistol then walked across the room and tapped in a few commands to activate a holoprogram. Donning a vest he stood back to the line and the program started running. In this particular program there were 15 holoimages 10 of them were firing back and 5 were hostages used as human shields. Wayne dodged the fake shots from the targets and fired back taking out the 5 targets who were not using human shields and then 3 of the targets thatwere using human shields. The fourth target his aim was off slightly and he grazed the hostage thus ending the program.
"As you can see this is not exactly an easy program to run through. In order to pass it you have to be perfect. All ten targets must be taken out without injury to a single hostage." Said Wayne as he ejected the power cell and put the weapon back in the locker and the cell bac on it's charger.
"Impressive," Karen said referring both the his performance and the program. "So you also have a research facility? I've noticed that good fighters rarely make good programmers, or good designers, though they may be more than happy to handle the results of that research," she said. "The paw is very hazy around certain aspects of research, particularly when it comes to weaponry and their potential misuses."
"Yes there is a R and D department within the company and yes we do have a weapons developement program running there. The pistol I used on the range was a product of them. Every weapon developed there is used first and foremost by our own people. Tested in every aspect possible before we offer any of them up for sale." Said Wayne he motioned for her to follow him out of the firing range and down a short hall to another door.
Karen followed. This was getting more and more interesting. "I'll not do you the discourtesy of asking for your customer list," she said lightly, suspecting that certain branches of Stafleet were probably on it along with some other powers she would rather not know about. "For now I'll take your word for it that I'd not disapprove of anyone I found there."
Stepping through the door they found themselves on a small platform looking out over what could only be considered a massive cargo bay with many prefab labs and display areas. The platform lowered and Wayne led them over to one of the displays. "Here is one of our major money makers, my techs enjoy understating things. As you can see this looks like an old style pump action shotgun, it is not however rather it is a portable anti matter grenade launcher. One man can unleash 12 rounds of distruction or defense. We also develop larger projects such as fighters, Runabouts, shuttles, and what you would call garrison craft." Said Wayne as he guided her to one of the computer labs.
"Mister Bradshaw, if you don't mind me asking, where does your major funding come from?" Karen asked.
"Our funding comes from several sources. One is of course our weapons sales, another money maker is our casino's, and a third is our mining operations. The PMC, frieghters, farms and a few other things make some money but they do not make up the bulk of it." Said Wayne calmly
"For obvious reasons we can not and would not even consider constructing anything more then a 1/16th scale model here and then only for testing purposes." Said Wayne
"Of course not," Karen nodded the implication away. This was getting bigger and bigger - a private military research company in their midst. Karen was not sure if she liked that. "Why Deep Space Five?" she asked obliqely - there were planetoids and colonies where such research could be conducted in isolation and more cheaply and away from Starfleets control.
"Commander, DS5 was picked out of several possibilities for a couple reasons. One, you are located at an apex of our trading lines. Two, in case you have not checked me out as of yet I am a retired major General in the marines. My first loyality is was and always will be to starfleet and what she stands for and repersents. Third, can you honestly think of a better place to setup shop where a person can meet new clients and learn new things then on a stabase." Said Wayne softly
"Oh, we know your background," Karen said, "and I understand your reasons for being here. We are a hub, and one that offers opportunites in societities residing in unclaimed space, and I would be blind if I did not note how close we are to Romulan territory," Karen added. "I've a good idea of who and what you supply, Mister Bradshaw."
"Oh and by the way, while I will not tell you the whole list let me just say this SFI and SFMC are two of our major customers with starfleet ordering a sizeable number of our smaller crafts for their ships each year." Said Wayne flattly and also letting her know that pushing the matter beyond what he had offered would not be a good thing.
"I'm sure they are," Karen replied, "and I would not dream of asking unless I were enquiring about a specific client," she continued, "and believe me, if I have any concerns about specific clients, I will ask and expect an answer," she told him.
"Is there anything else you would like to see I would of course show you more but the rest of our operation is not located in system. And I do not exactly think you want to see our accounting offices and the like as those are about the only thing left asside from the PMC training rooms." Said Wayne softly
"I've seen just about enough to be able to satisfy the Health and Safety people that they don't need to do a big inspection," Karen said, for now anyway, she might have added. The XO was still not one hundred percent comfortable with a private army occupying part of a level of the station, how that played out was still to be seen. "Unless your accounts staff are all ninjas I don't think that will be necessary," she added.
"Wayne made his mind up after that statement it was not normal but it would be a sign of goodwill. "Commander I know this is not exactly normal but I would like to offer you a small gift. A token of good will and friendship as it were." Said Wayne as he reached down and picked up a medium sized ornate box.
Karen chuckled awkwardly, "We don't take gifts Mister Bradshaw," she said unsure if he was actually trying to bribe her or if her suspicious nature was making her read an intent that was not there.
"No I insist please accept this in the spirit that it is offered." Said Wayne as he handed her the box. What she could not know was that it contained one of their newer pistol designs plus a charger and power cells as well as a hand tooled leather holster. an expensive gift to be sure but he could afford it.
"OK, OK," Karen agreed. She'd have to declare this of course. "I'll open it later."
"If there is anything else I can help you out with or that I can do for you please do not hesitate to let me know." Said Wayne as they walked toward the main entrance to his offices. "Now I am afraid I must cut our visit shorter then I would like. I have a divisional head meeting I must attend." He added calmly it was not his intent to try and brush her of but he was concerned that might be how it looked even if he did truely have said meeting and it had been planed for a number of weeks.
Karen contemplated the box for a moment before replying. "I've seen everything I need to see for now, Mister Bradshaw," she said, "I'll not keep you any longer," she added before leaving, mulling over what she had been shown.
OFF
by Chief Executive Officer Wayne Bradshaw & Commander Karen Villiers
Post Details
| Title | Surprises | |
| Mission | Interlude | |
| Author(s) | Chief Executive Officer Wayne Bradshaw & Commander Karen Villiers | |
| Posted | Mon Aug 09, 2010 @ 6:31pm | |
| Location | BII offices to start |
"Executive Officer's privilege," Karen said, "Every now and then I like to wander the lesser beaten tracks. "You never know what you'll come across on a station this size, and its good exercise," she added with a quirk of an eyebrow, Karen knew a bodyguard when she saw one, she just did not know the why.
"Well since you're down here would you like a tour. I am sure it is not as glamourous as some of the other areas but who knows maybe you will see something else that I or my men missed when we sat this up.
This was precisely why Karen had 'wandered in this direction. She had heard certain rumours from various sources and wished to see for herself before she took any action, "Sure, a tour," she agreed with a shrug;. "I'm not sure that any space stations have particularly glamourous areas," she added her gaze taking in details of the area, "lead on."
"Well as I am sure you have guessed this is our main receiving area. There are four ports here for shipping and receiving various items and dispatching our security force to various jobs around the galaxy." Said Wayne calmly as they walked along. He intentionally ignored mentioning some of the obvious changes that had happened in the last little while.
"You've done quite a few renovations here," Karen noted, "They'll need to be cleared by health and safety," she said wondering what he would say to that. "The only facilities that can make renovations that can avoid the approval process are the embassies. I'm afraid your operation does not have soveraign status, Mister Bradshaw," she added linking her fingers behind her back as they walked. "I'll let the inspectors know they need to pay a visit."
Here we have the main training rooms as well as the armoury and briefing rooms for the PMC." Said Wayne as they entered a short hallway off of the main corridor.
"Is there a lot of call for private security?" Karen asked using a relatively neutral euphamism. The the enterprise was by no means illegal but the term 'mercenary' sat uneasily with Federation and with Starfleet ideology.
"Actually you would be surprised at the business I do. The klingons, andorians, betazoids and many others have asked for the help of my company over the years. Also we provide security for several embassies throughout the federation and some other races." Said Wayne calmly but firmly he had not missed her remark about haveing inspectors sent down but he was not about to let it faze him in the least.
"Really," Karen nodded with apparent interest, "Of course Mister Bradshaw it is customary to get planning permission first. If the Inspectors don't like what they see everything will have to come out," she said returning to the topic. "The time and expense and the need to refit once permission is given doesn't matter to the Health and Safety types, or for that matter to the command of this station." Karen stopped and turned to the man, "So Mister Bradshaw," she said in a very genial tone, "are you going to tell me what is going on down here, or am I going to have to use official channels?"
"I could be an ass and say that you had to go through official channels but I am not that type of a man. You want to know what is going on so I will tell you. I do not trust the station security department on this station to do their jobs. Or at least to do their job without getting into someones face. taking my own experiance as an example, your chief of security sat out to harass and demean myself and my employees. at various times in the past. The fact that the same said chief seemed to be unable to safeguard the station against a terrorist attack and infact had to order one of my employees to turn over our dedicated and secure comm link to his personal use did not exactly engraciate him to me." Said Wayne firmly "Before you say I should have taken this up with the captain I did do that once already and got exactly jack shit for my time."
Karen said nothing, the lawyer in her would not dream of interrupting a witness giving an interview when he was in full flow, and this was no different. She let him continue.
"I am sure you have your excuses and your reasons just as I did when I was in the corps and you do not need to tell them to me. The measures that you have no doubt seen and not seen are for the express purpose of protecting my company both from external threats or from internal threats as the case may be." Said Wayne firmly
"Are you done?" Karen asked without chagrin. "Good, then perhaps we ought to start with the shortcomings you perceive. Is there somewhere we can talk without the bookends?" she asked sizing up the former Ranger, "Or am I such a threat that you can't be alone with me?"
"Commander, if you would care to we could move this meeting to my private office. The bookends, as you so nicely put it, would of course be close by, but I do not think you are a threat, and even if you were, not one I could not handle on my own if needed." Said Wayne calmly "Though there is a faster way then just walking there." He added stepping closer to the Commander and activating the transporter that would take them directly to the main office.
"OK," she said, "but don't be so cocky about whether or not you could handle me," Karen added with a shake of her head. "Go right ahead," she said giving him the cue to transport.
Wayne tapped the old style and spoke "4 to the entrance lobby." Said Wayne firmly a few seconds later they were in the main lobby. "Alright boys take your positions the XO and I have a few things we need to discuss." He added flattly as he led the station CO up a flight of stairs and down the hall to a small conferance room.
"welcome to what I like to call the war room commander we should be able to have a private conversation here without any trouble." Said Wayne as he motioned to the seat just to his right for her to sit in.
"So, you've installed a transporter system independent from the station," Karen said as she sat and crossed her legs, "What's its range and capacity?"
"Range is limited to within 100 yards of the stations outer hull and it is capable of moving a max of 4 people at one time. It is also able to move cargo but that is limited to 10 metric tons and thee is only one place with that transporter. Also as i mentioned before we have a dedicated and secure comm system however it is limited to internal station and any of our own ships that happen to be docked." Said Wayne flattly.
Karen nodded, "I'll take your word for that, for now," she said. "So, your reception at DS5 has not been to your liking," she continued, "As you have shared something with me, I will share something with you. There may be parties around who are looking for witnesses with regard to the activities of certain officers in relation to a case. Everything that I say after this is strictly confidential," Karen went on as she pulled a small device out of a pocket. "and entirely off the record. If you can record through this, then I will personally have your operation shut down," she added, as what she laid on the table was a very compact, and beyond state of the art interference device.
As Karen removed her hand she clicked it on with her thumb, "Shall I begin?" she asked.
"Commander if anyone can even detect our lifesigns or hear what we have said while in here I will personally close this operation down and move it to a ship. I take my private meetings very seriously and have a healthy respect for any measures you wish to use." Said Wayne bluntly.
Letting the remark about lifesigns pass Karen sat back and dropped her hands into her lap. "You told me outside that you were unimpressed with Station Security," she said. "First, I will give you some context for my interest in your opinion, and then you may decide if you want to repeat it to me," she said.
"Fair enough commander." Said Wayne flatly
"As well as being XO, I am also the JAG on this station. I will put aside my XO hat during any case I am asked to cover that involves a crewmember." Karen held up a hand in case he was inclined to interrupt. "I am to judge it, but given the nature of the case, one brought by the Romulans against a member of the staff of this station, I am able to take statements in confidence regarding the character and activity of the accused. It is something that can help us 'balance' the case," she explained.
"I see so there have been others who have had problems as well that is interesting to know." Said Wayne softly as he waited for her to finish what she had to say sure that there was something more.
"I am 'gathering opinions'" Karen said, a measured response. "Even if guilt is established with the help of a heartfelt confession I would not lightly hand anyone to the Romulans. I don't happen to believe in capital punishment so it may be that character or motivation is what sways the verdict on whether or not to extradite."
"I can understand that Romulans are not exactly known for their easy handling of prisioners. Personally I would not stand for extradition to them. I mean yes he is a problem and yes he has cause me and my company no end of grief. However rather then turning him over to the Romulans I would almost advocate keeping him in the federation maybe something can be done for him. I am not a fan of capital punishment myself for that matter but the threat of it can be usefull." Said Wayne flattly there was no love lost between him and the Romulans even if they were good paying clients there were just some things you did not do.
Karen raised an eyebrow; it could indeed be a useful threat but that was not what they were here to discuss. "You may be called as a witness by either or both sides, Mister Bradshaw," Karen told him, "I understand your frustration at the experiences you have had here, and your initial desire to point the finger. Now, when the time comes I am not asking you to make a statement of anything other than the truth as you see it. Just to remember that you are at liberty to temper your statement with reason, and that if you are called by the prosecution, they think that you will strengthen their case," a case that was already very strong, but Karen did not say that.
"Thank you for the advance warning though I am not exactly sure what I will be able to do. I built my rep on telling the truth and not holding anything back for any reason, I have no intention of changing that now. Rest assured if I am called I will stick to nothing but the facts as I know them and my statement will not be embelished by personal feelings or any other motive then to see justice done." Said Wayne firmly but coolly.
"Thank you, Mister Bradshaw, I don't trust people by reputation, they are sometimes established on little more than hot air, but I think I can trust that you are as you say. Of course we never had this conversation," Karen said. "Why don't we finish our tour now?"
"Certainly though you have seen most of the external areas of the company I am not sure what else you would like to see. I hope you understand of course that some areas are classified and you will not be able to see." Said Wayne calmly as he rose from his seat and waited for her.
Karen pressed her hands to her knees then stood, "Unless you want those Inspectors to visit, Mister Bradshaw, I suggest you give me the full tour; nothing is off limits once they get involved," she said evenly. "I only need to know precisely what is going on in my space station, and if I am comfortable with it, I will look the other way. The Inspectors on the other hand ... well, if they don't tie you up in red tape they'll close you down and I don't think you want to be looking for a new home so soon," she continued. "Level with me, and show me enough. We might even find you useful to have around," she added, 'we' in this place meaning the station's command.
"Alright but it might take more time then you expect. What would you like to see first." Said Wayne calmly he was about to break every rule he had but there was something that told him he could at least trust this lady to be discrete.
"Mister Bradshaw, I don't take you for a fool and I don't imagine for a second that you actually think I was wandering around down here by accident," Karen said to start off the second phase of their discussion. "As it is I am not here as Executive Officer, but as JAG. I need to be certain that your activities do not compromise the Federation, and do not compromise Starfleet. So tell me, why would I have heard a rumour that there is unsanctioned weapons research going on down here." Karen paused. "Perhaps we should start with your firing ranges," she suggested. Labs would come later.
Wayne slightly nodded his head he knew all to well that there was no way this was just a chance meeting. Still he would show her around if she wanted him to. "Alright commander if you will follow me then we will see the firing range and training rooms for the PMC." Said Wayne calmly
Karen nodded and followed. Regardless of what she had said earlier, or the validity of her arguement this was not her territory and she was alone.
===firing range===
"As you can see we use standard holographic targets for our beginners range. The more advanced range however uses targets that actually shoot back at you. Still holograms but we designed the program from scratch and it works well for us. There is not a man in my security force that is not rated as an expert marksmen before I turn him or her loose. Also to keep their rating they are required to requalify every year." Said Wayne flatly
"Why don't you demonstrate," Karen suggested, "or have someone do it for you?"
"Certainly." Said Wayne as he walked over to the weapons locker and pulled out what looked like an old style phaser then he pulled out a power cell and slammed it home in the butt of the pistol then walked across the room and tapped in a few commands to activate a holoprogram. Donning a vest he stood back to the line and the program started running. In this particular program there were 15 holoimages 10 of them were firing back and 5 were hostages used as human shields. Wayne dodged the fake shots from the targets and fired back taking out the 5 targets who were not using human shields and then 3 of the targets thatwere using human shields. The fourth target his aim was off slightly and he grazed the hostage thus ending the program.
"As you can see this is not exactly an easy program to run through. In order to pass it you have to be perfect. All ten targets must be taken out without injury to a single hostage." Said Wayne as he ejected the power cell and put the weapon back in the locker and the cell bac on it's charger.
"Impressive," Karen said referring both the his performance and the program. "So you also have a research facility? I've noticed that good fighters rarely make good programmers, or good designers, though they may be more than happy to handle the results of that research," she said. "The paw is very hazy around certain aspects of research, particularly when it comes to weaponry and their potential misuses."
"Yes there is a R and D department within the company and yes we do have a weapons developement program running there. The pistol I used on the range was a product of them. Every weapon developed there is used first and foremost by our own people. Tested in every aspect possible before we offer any of them up for sale." Said Wayne he motioned for her to follow him out of the firing range and down a short hall to another door.
Karen followed. This was getting more and more interesting. "I'll not do you the discourtesy of asking for your customer list," she said lightly, suspecting that certain branches of Stafleet were probably on it along with some other powers she would rather not know about. "For now I'll take your word for it that I'd not disapprove of anyone I found there."
Stepping through the door they found themselves on a small platform looking out over what could only be considered a massive cargo bay with many prefab labs and display areas. The platform lowered and Wayne led them over to one of the displays. "Here is one of our major money makers, my techs enjoy understating things. As you can see this looks like an old style pump action shotgun, it is not however rather it is a portable anti matter grenade launcher. One man can unleash 12 rounds of distruction or defense. We also develop larger projects such as fighters, Runabouts, shuttles, and what you would call garrison craft." Said Wayne as he guided her to one of the computer labs.
"Mister Bradshaw, if you don't mind me asking, where does your major funding come from?" Karen asked.
"Our funding comes from several sources. One is of course our weapons sales, another money maker is our casino's, and a third is our mining operations. The PMC, frieghters, farms and a few other things make some money but they do not make up the bulk of it." Said Wayne calmly
"For obvious reasons we can not and would not even consider constructing anything more then a 1/16th scale model here and then only for testing purposes." Said Wayne
"Of course not," Karen nodded the implication away. This was getting bigger and bigger - a private military research company in their midst. Karen was not sure if she liked that. "Why Deep Space Five?" she asked obliqely - there were planetoids and colonies where such research could be conducted in isolation and more cheaply and away from Starfleets control.
"Commander, DS5 was picked out of several possibilities for a couple reasons. One, you are located at an apex of our trading lines. Two, in case you have not checked me out as of yet I am a retired major General in the marines. My first loyality is was and always will be to starfleet and what she stands for and repersents. Third, can you honestly think of a better place to setup shop where a person can meet new clients and learn new things then on a stabase." Said Wayne softly
"Oh, we know your background," Karen said, "and I understand your reasons for being here. We are a hub, and one that offers opportunites in societities residing in unclaimed space, and I would be blind if I did not note how close we are to Romulan territory," Karen added. "I've a good idea of who and what you supply, Mister Bradshaw."
"Oh and by the way, while I will not tell you the whole list let me just say this SFI and SFMC are two of our major customers with starfleet ordering a sizeable number of our smaller crafts for their ships each year." Said Wayne flattly and also letting her know that pushing the matter beyond what he had offered would not be a good thing.
"I'm sure they are," Karen replied, "and I would not dream of asking unless I were enquiring about a specific client," she continued, "and believe me, if I have any concerns about specific clients, I will ask and expect an answer," she told him.
"Is there anything else you would like to see I would of course show you more but the rest of our operation is not located in system. And I do not exactly think you want to see our accounting offices and the like as those are about the only thing left asside from the PMC training rooms." Said Wayne softly
"I've seen just about enough to be able to satisfy the Health and Safety people that they don't need to do a big inspection," Karen said, for now anyway, she might have added. The XO was still not one hundred percent comfortable with a private army occupying part of a level of the station, how that played out was still to be seen. "Unless your accounts staff are all ninjas I don't think that will be necessary," she added.
"Wayne made his mind up after that statement it was not normal but it would be a sign of goodwill. "Commander I know this is not exactly normal but I would like to offer you a small gift. A token of good will and friendship as it were." Said Wayne as he reached down and picked up a medium sized ornate box.
Karen chuckled awkwardly, "We don't take gifts Mister Bradshaw," she said unsure if he was actually trying to bribe her or if her suspicious nature was making her read an intent that was not there.
"No I insist please accept this in the spirit that it is offered." Said Wayne as he handed her the box. What she could not know was that it contained one of their newer pistol designs plus a charger and power cells as well as a hand tooled leather holster. an expensive gift to be sure but he could afford it.
"OK, OK," Karen agreed. She'd have to declare this of course. "I'll open it later."
"If there is anything else I can help you out with or that I can do for you please do not hesitate to let me know." Said Wayne as they walked toward the main entrance to his offices. "Now I am afraid I must cut our visit shorter then I would like. I have a divisional head meeting I must attend." He added calmly it was not his intent to try and brush her of but he was concerned that might be how it looked even if he did truely have said meeting and it had been planed for a number of weeks.
Karen contemplated the box for a moment before replying. "I've seen everything I need to see for now, Mister Bradshaw," she said, "I'll not keep you any longer," she added before leaving, mulling over what she had been shown.
OFF